Reforestation and agroforestry

In 2023, after an initial testing phase, Tozzi Green Madagascar directed its efforts toward reforestation to mitigate the serious problem of climate change, working to improve the region’s microclimatic conditions through the planting of perennial tree species.

This is a long-term project that required an intense program of meetings with all stakeholders and involves an even larger workforce than before, both for the establishment of the forest and its maintenance (the forest’s lifespan is estimated at least 40 years). Reforestation is universally considered an environmentally sustainable practice; some scientists even believe it is the only way to combat climate change on a large scale. Furthermore, reforestation is recognized as a practice that results in other significant environmental benefits for soil, fauna, and flora biodiversity.

These benefits are not limited to the reforested plots but also manifest in the surrounding environment, thereby bringing improvements to the communities living in the affected regions. The areas covered by the project are scattered across a vast and highly fragmented territory, where some lands are intended for other uses. In the specific case of the Ihorombe Region, reforestation will help mitigate some of the region’s extremely critical issues, such as water scarcity, low soil fertility, severe erosion, and a lack of biodiversity. The project plans to allocate part of the land to agroforestry, some of which has already been developed for this purpose.

Tozzi Green Madagascar is involved in the establishment and management of areas where both productive trees (wood/charcoal or fruit) and intercropping of food varieties (maize, cassava, sorghum, etc.) are planted. On these lands, the local community has full control over management, and all harvested products belong to them. This is, in broad terms, the agroforestry project.

The reforestation project, named Satrokala ARR, tackles the restoration of a vast degraded area (Satrokala, Andiolava and Ambatolahy). Its name originates from a poetic Malagasy expression meaning the “hat of the forest,” from satroka (hat) and ala (forest). The initiative has already led to the planting of more than 3 million trees over an area of more than 6,000 hectares, 4,000 of which are already under cultivation. By reintroducing endemic and indigenous species, the project restores biodiversity and recreates a favorable habitat. This intervention ensures a principle of cumulative benefits: without it, vital ecological advantages such as the return of species, soil stabilization, and CO₂ sequestration would remain unfulfilled. The Satrokala ARR project thus tangibly strengthens the resilience of ecosystems.

The planting of a diversity of plant species, selected for their ecological complementarity and their adaptation to the environment, will allow for the sustainable improvement of biodiversity and local ecosystems.

The inhabitants of Satrokala, Andiolava and Ambatolahy are actively involved in all stages of the ARR reforestation project, which aims to restore degraded ecosystems while providing sustainable economic opportunities.

Communities participate in the implementation of the project through reforestation, the management of restored plots, and the maintenance of planted trees. At the same time, an agroforestry program is being developed with the inhabitants, which combines reforestation and sustainable agricultural production to ensure long-term socio-economic benefits.

Communities play an essential role in the project. They are consulted regularly to discuss the memorandums of understanding signed with the three communes and to adapt priorities based on local needs. They participate in reforestation but also in the improvement of zebu pastoral techniques in dedicated areas, thereby promoting a more sustainable management of natural resources.

Activities include soil preparation, planting, maintenance of replanted forests, and the establishment of agroforestry practices. Territorial development projects are also underway, such as the construction of infrastructure (schools and health centers), the supply of educational and medical equipment, and support for the improvement of living conditions.

The project will contribute significantly to the creation of sustainable long-term jobs, with significant participation of women and a majority involvement of workers from local communities. These employment opportunities will concern reforestation activities as well as agroforestry and pastoral projects.

Local labor is prioritized in all project activities. In addition, training is provided to inhabitants to develop their skills in agroforestry, forest management, and sustainable livestock farming, thereby promoting their economic and environmental autonomy.

Memorandums of understanding have been established with the three communes to ensure effective collaboration in the development of the territory. Several local associations and institutions also support the initiatives, thereby guaranteeing the sustainability of the actions undertaken. The company has concluded agreements with universities (Antananarivo and Ihosy) to contribute to the research and development of the project. Partnerships have also been established, among others, with the local women’s association for the supply of regional seeds, as well as with the Isalo National Park.

Training programs are regularly organized to support communities in adopting sustainable practices. Awareness campaigns are also conducted through community workshops and regular exchanges with local representatives, in order to ensure effective and participatory management of natural resources.

The project will create jobs and build new infrastructure, thereby improving the quality of life for the local population. This includes existing infrastructure and the creation of new infrastructure (in accordance with the memorandums of understanding).